Caitlin Clark puts full stop to ROTY debate with Angel Reese amidst rising tensions

Caitlin Clark doesn't buy into the WNBA Rookie of the Year debate with rival Angel Reese as her focus is elsewhere.

Caitlin Clark puts full stop to ROTY debate with Angel Reese amidst rising tensions

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

This season in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. It is all thanks to the efforts of Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. They are also the top contenders for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Their battle for supremacy has seen both players turn out impressive performances, which have characterized their rookie season.

Caitlin Clark earned Rookie of the Month awards in May and July, and Angel Reese secured the honor in June. Clark also leads all rookies in scoring with 18.0 points per game, while Reese averages a league-high 12.9 rebounds per game. Before their teams’ clash, they both spoke to the media, where they both chose to prioritize winning over individual accolades. 

I think me and Angel would both give you the same answer. We don’t wake up and think about individual awards. I know that’s what all of you think we do. I know we don't. That’s what everybody wants to make this about. Both our teams are competing for playoff spots. That is our main focus.
Caitlin Clark said during the pre-game presser
YouTube video

Angel Reese also took a similar stance, prioritizing team achievements over individual accolades. Moreover, she accused the media of making a big thing out of the ROTY race.

FS Video
We don't either care about the Rookie of the Year. I think you guys have made it a big thing, we haven't.
Angel Reese via pre-game presser

Furthermore, as the season progresses, both rookies continue to improve. Clark has averaged 22.2 points and 10.3 assists over her last ten games, and Reese has pulled 76 rebounds in her past four appearances. The Fever have won seven of their last ten games, while the Sky are on a five-game losing streak and in danger of slipping out of the playoff picture.

The game, however, ended in a victory for the Indiana Fever, with Clark dropping a career-high 31 points, 12 assists, and four rebounds. Despite the loss, Angel Reese still continued her dominance by being the rookie with the most double-doubles in WNBA history.

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Stephen A Smith and Caitlin Clark

Shaquille O’Neal shows support for WNBA mentee Angel Reese at Chicago Sky game

The game came with its star power as it was billed as the most expensive game. It also had Shaquille O’Neal in attendance, who made a surprise appearance. During a break in the first quarter, he was interviewed by the ION broadcast, where he shared his thoughts on the recent surge in popularity of the WNBA.

They've always played great, they've always played hard. I'm glad they're getting the exposure. They definitely deserve it. Now we just gotta get them similar contracts as what some of these NBA guys are making.
Shaquille O’Neal via ION at the Fever-Sky game

He also spoke about his mentee, Angel Reese, who he’s been guiding throughout her college and WNBA career. Reese has seen her fair share of critics recently, but luckily for her, she knows how to deal with criticism and has Big Shaq in her corner.

Furthermore, with the rankings placing her above Clark, the remaining games of the season are ones fans will be eagerly anticipating. Next for the Fever is an away game against the Dallas Wings, while the Sky will attempt to end their five-game losing streak when they take on the Minnesota Lynx.

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